Our Story

Welcome to our vibrant community dedicated to the celebration and preservation of Métis traditions! What began as a quest to find enriching cultural experiences for our families blossomed into a dynamic collective of Métis culture enthusiasts in Calgary.

In Spring 2023, we welcomed our first learners. Today we embrace all people, indigenous and non-indigenous, inviting you to embark on unique and immersive adventures in Métis culture. We remain steadfast in our commitment to authenticity, fostering meaningful connections and revitalizing community bonds.

We strive to honour our legacy by offering engaging experiences that delve deep into Métis heritage, guided by the values of respect and inclusivity. Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery and cultural appreciation together.

The Experience Métis Culture Keepers

Kalyn Kodiak
Amy Barton
Hailey Lambert
Shauna Taylor
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Terry Barton
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Kalyn is an active member of the Métis community in and around Calgary, with deep roots stretching from her hometown of Lethbridge to her second home in Calgary. As a Métis Herbalist, she maintains a strong connection to the plants and landscapes between these two regions. She is a descendant of the Delorme family of White Horse Plains, through Marie Rose and Charlie Smith, Marie-Hélène Parfitt, and Helene Doris Byrne.

A registered Clinical Herbalist and the current President of the Alberta Herbalists Association since 2018, Kalyn is a respected advocate for plant conservation and land stewardship. She is widely recognized as a trusted resource on traditional medicine and food plants within the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Kalyn brings a heartfelt belief in the healing power of nature to everything she does. She regularly leads workshops on Métis food and medicine, seasonal traditions, plant identification, and cultural arts. She also developed a rigid heddle loom method for weaving the Métis sash, making this important cultural practice more accessible to communities.

Her creative work includes natural painting, beadwork, weaving, traditional costume recreation, and embroidery—all of which she uses to share and celebrate the vibrant cultural heritage of the Métis people with both local communities and visitors.

Kalyn Kodiak
Taanishi, Amy Barton nisihkâson.I am a Member of the Metis Nation of Alberta. I’m a Mother of 3, an Advanced Care Paramedic, a Rupertsland Institute Professional Learning Facilitator, and a Bow Valley College Introduction to Indigenous Studies facilitator. I’m committed to life-long learning and sharing my Métis history and culture. Permaculture design, Métis lifeways and the teachings of the medicine wheel are important value systems in my family’s lives. Growing food is my passion! I want to build healthy resiliency and sustainability for my family, community, and myself.
Amy Barton
Tansaii! I was born and raised, and still reside here in Calgary, MNA Region 3. I am honoured and proud to come from a rich Métis heritage. I feel responsible for and passionate about spreading awareness to others about the beauty of our Métis Culture and preserving our traditions. I am so grateful to be a part of this team. Working with the youth is so fulfilling because it’s important for our children to know where they come from. I would also like to thank the mentors, and elders in my life who have given me the knowledge and stories to continue to pass on to generations.
Hailey Lambert
My name is Rebecca Lavallee. I am a proud Métis women. I was born and raised in Lac La Biche Alberta, Region 1, and I now live in Calgary Alberta, Region 3. I have always been connected to my Métis culture and understand the importance of being a part of our community. I have worked as an advocate and representative for Métis youth to ensure their voices are heard, and now as a cultural teacher. I love to listen and share all the things I continue to learn about what it is to be Métis.
Rebecca Lavallee

Taanishi! My name is Maya, I am a proud Red River Métis woman who has recently moved back home. I feel my best when spending time in nature, learning new things, and connecting with others. I have worked as a professional nanny for several years, as I find great joy and fulfilment in being a positive leader for young ones and most importantly, having fun! In my spare time, I love diving into a new book, finding different recipes to try, and discovering new ways to channel my creativity through art and writing.

Maya Barton

More About Us

Everyone is welcome to join us and share in the deep appreciation we hold for our beautiful cultural teachings.

We host events for a wide range of groups seeking to build greater awareness of Métis culture, identity, and the history that connects us to the landscapes of Treaty 7 Territory. Our helpers and volunteers are learners on their own cultural journeys, and mentorship plays a vital role in our work. Our knowledge keepers approach the responsibility of passing on traditions with care, commitment, and respect.

We are a small team of knowledge keepers and instructors, proudly rooted in the Métis Nation of Alberta. Wherever possible, we strive to collaborate with other Indigenous communities—partnering with Indigenous instructors, contractors, and suppliers who share and support our vision.

While we do host events specifically for our own community, many of our workshops and programs are open to the public. You’re warmly invited to attend any Experience Métis event listed on our Events page, or to book a private experience for your own group of friends, family, or community.

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, cultures, and nations. Our goal is to foster understanding of Indigenous cultures and help dispel harmful stereotypes. Experience Métis is a Safe Space—everyone who arrives with respect is welcome here.

We’re proud of the business model we’ve built at Experience Métis Inc. It’s the result of thoughtful planning and meaningful consultation with Elders and community leaders. Our goal has always been to serve our community while building a sustainable business that supports our families. To do this, we’ve blended the traditional business models of the fur trade era with modern, community-driven practices that create meaningful opportunities for growth within the Métis Nation.

Here are a few key principles that keep Experience Métis Inc. authentic, culturally grounded, and community-focused:

Training the Culture Teachers of Tomorrow
Employees, youth, and volunteers learn through hands-on, apprentice-style experiences that deepen cultural knowledge and build leadership skills.

Engaging with Elders, Leaders, and Community Members
We regularly consult with community stakeholders to ensure our work reflects traditional values and meets the evolving needs of our people.

Strengthening Métis Representation in Southern Alberta
We connect with organizations and leaders to expand opportunities for Métis individuals and families—especially in the southern part of the province—to engage with their culture.

Living Our Values
Our work is guided by Indigenous values such as wahkoomiwayhk/wahkohtowin (kinship), respect for the natural world, family unity, community responsibility, healthy living, and mutual support.

We’ll be sharing more about our unique approach to business and community development in an upcoming article. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to receive it as soon as it’s published!